[2026 Hong Kong Public Holiday Leave Tips] Detailed Guides for a 10-Day Easter Holiday
Hong Kong Public Holidays 2026
There are 17 public holidays in Hong Kong in 2026. If a holiday falls on a Sunday, a substitute holiday will be arranged. Major holidays include: New Year’s Day, Lunar New Year, Easter, Ching Ming Festival, Labour Day, Buddha’s Birthday, Dragon Boat Festival, HKSAR Establishment Day, the day after Mid-Autumn Festival, National Day, Chung Yeung Festival, and Christmas.
| Month | Holiday | Date |
|---|---|---|
| January | New Year’s Day | Jan 1 (Thursday) |
| February | Lunar New Year’s Day, 2nd & 3rd Day | Feb 17-19 |
| April | Good Friday, The Day After Good Friday, Day After Ching Ming Festival, The Day After Easter Monday | Apr 3-7 (5-day break) |
| May | Labour Day, Day After Buddha’s Birthday | May 1, May 25 |
| June | Dragon Boat Festival | Jun 19 |
| July | HKSAR Establishment Day | Jul 1 |
| September | Day After Mid-Autumn Festival | Sep 26 |
| October | National Day, Day After Chung Yeung Festival | Oct 1, Oct 19 |
| December | Christmas Day, First Sunday After Christmas | Dec 25-26 |
Work Leave Strategies & Long Holiday Tips
Lunar New Year (Feb 17-19)
- Plan: Take Feb 16 (Mon) and Feb 20 (Fri) off for a 9-day holiday (Feb 14-22).
- Best for: Family visits, overseas travel, in-depth local tours.
Easter & Ching Ming (Apr 3-7)
- Plan: Take Apr 8-10 (Wed-Fri) off for a 10-day holiday (Apr 3-12).
- Best for: Short trips in SE Asia, family activities, local staycation.
Labour Day (May 1)
- Plan: Take Apr 27-30 (Mon-Thu) off for a 9-day holiday (Apr 25-May 3).
- Best for: Japan, Taiwan, domestic short trips.
Buddha’s Birthday (May 25)
- Plan: Take May 26-29 (Tue-Fri) off for a 9-day holiday (May 23-31).
- Best for: Temple visits, cultural experiences.
Dragon Boat Festival (Jun 19)
- Plan: Take Jun 15-18 (Mon-Thu) off for a 9-day holiday (Jun 13-21).
- Best for: Dragon boat races, island trips, family activities.
HKSAR Establishment Day (Jul 1)
- Plan: Take Jul 2-3 (Thu-Fri) off for a 5-day holiday (Jul 1-5).
- Best for: Local celebrations, short trips.
Mid-Autumn & National Day (Sep 26, Oct 1)
- Plan: Take Sep 28-30 and Oct 2 off for a 9-day holiday (Sep 26-Oct 4).
- Best for: Moon viewing, National Day fireworks, long trips.
Chung Yeung (Oct 19)
- Plan: Take Oct 20-23 (Tue-Fri) off for a 9-day holiday (Oct 17-25).
- Best for: Hiking, ancestral visits, family gatherings.
Christmas (Dec 25-26)
- Plan: Take Dec 21-24 (Mon-Thu) off for a 9-day holiday (Dec 19-27).
- Best for: Long-haul trips to Europe/US, Christmas markets, family activities.
Year-Round Leave Tips
- Best leave efficiency: Lunar New Year, Easter, and Christmas give the longest breaks with minimal leave days.
- Book early: During peak holidays, flights and hotels are expensive and sell out fast. Plan months ahead.
- Annual leave flexibility: Some holidays fall on weekends; substitute arrangements vary yearly — watch for official announcements.
- Local experiences: Hong Kong has plenty to do: Cheung Chau Bun Festival, Mid-Autumn Lantern Fairs, Christmas markets.
FAQs
1. What public holidays are there in Hong Kong in 2026? How can I check updates?
There are 17 holidays in 2026, including New Year’s, Lunar New Year, Easter, Ching Ming, Labour Day, Buddha’s Birthday, Dragon Boat Festival, HKSAR Establishment Day, Mid-Autumn (next day), National Day, Chung Yeung, and Christmas. Subscribe to the Gov 1823 iCal calendar for real-time updates and substitution arrangements.
2. How to maximize long holidays by taking leave?
By combining annual leave with public holidays: Lunar New Year, Easter, and Christmas allow 9-10 day breaks with just a few leave days. The above strategies help maximize holiday time.
3. Any tips for peak holiday seasons?
For Lunar New Year, Easter, Christmas: book flights/hotels early as they’re expensive and limited. For overseas travel, check visa requirements and buy travel insurance.
4. Do company leave policies affect my planning?
Yes, annual leave entitlements and application procedures differ. Always confirm with HR. Some firms have special rules or restrictions.
5. What if I prefer local activities instead of travel?
Hong Kong offers vibrant local festivals like Cheung Chau Bun Festival, Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival, and Christmas markets. Plan ahead to enjoy authentic festive vibes.